Protecting Horses from West Nile

Protecting Horses from West Nile

With
West Nile making an early appearance in mosquitoes this year, and
for the first time for several years, veterinarians are reminding
horse owners of the importance of keeping up with their vaccinations
and starting them early enough before the threat
arrives.

"As
far as mosquitoes go of course we have no protection against mosquito
bites and what that little critter might be caring," said Dr. Don
Morris of Fellhauer and Morris Veterinary Clinic.

And
not only do horses have little protection from mosquitoes but they
also are found in areas with the most mosquitoes.

"Of
course horses are going to graze whatever is available and you have
more mosquitoes in tall grass and that's what they like to eat," he
said.

But
Morris said it's tough when it comes to protecting horses against
West Nile.

Mary
Pearce the Executive Director of Whispers of Hope which gives
children a chance for therapeutic healing by being with the horses
has 20 horses she has to protect.

And
though there is not a lot they can do to keep horses away from
mosquitoes, she's still been able to find a way to stay proactive.

"We
try to keep from having standing water so we don't have mosquitoes
around," she said.

By
raking the water used to wash their horses into their dry soil it
dries quicker and doesn't draw mosquitoes that could be carrying
the virus.

They
clean stalls daily and spray repellent on the horses two sometimes
three times a day to keep flies and other bugs away.

Morris
says the one thing the doctor can help with is a vaccine.

"A
core vaccination include things that are transmitted by mosquito,"
Morris said.

The
shot should be given annually, Morris recommends horses to get the
shot in May before West Nile arrives.

And
though West Nile is back in Texoma, Pearce doesn't seem to concerned.